Novak Djokovic’s ATP Finals hopes have been brought to stunning end in unexpected Paris loss to Rinky Hijikata, who claimed his first-ever triumph against the Serbian star, coming from a set down to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in two hours and 15 minutes.
Novak took the opening set against the Australian, but the world no.83 found a brilliant level behind his attacking forehand to clinch the second set and force the decider. The 24-time grand slam champion struggled with errors in the third set, with Hijikata seizing his chance to seal the victory.
“Disappointment, obviously, losing a match that I felt like I was dominating for a set and a few games,” Djokovic said. “Then he was switched on. I wasn’t serving as well in the second set. He was just playing out of his mind, honestly. He was not missing, keeping the ball low. It was a terrific performance. Nobody loves losing. It’s just another match, but I should’ve won this match. I played well in the first set and then completely lost control.”
Statistics: aces (7-4), double faults (5-1), winners (27-41), unforced errors (24-33), total points won (91-91).
Photo: Profimedia
